It’s wilful ignorance to think that people who lived before were different in any way from us. As if racial or gender equality were novel concepts.
Everyone who’s experienced adolescence knows that their beliefs are a choice: they can choose or not to accept what they’ve been taught at school or home (or online…). A six yo can’t be blamed for parroting a parent but a 26 yo must own their beliefs. A person’s ethics are immaterial to what the majority thinks at the time.
I study historical feminist women writers and some had male allies (which is how many of them managed to have their works survive), more than I originally expected. It’s always possible to do the right thing. And it’s always wrong to harm others. Acknowledging those wrongs is a commitment to be better; giving them a pass continues the wrong.
As always this is an interesting, perceptive read that inspires personal thought and action. I don’t often comment not because I am not interested by your work, which I read regularly, but for my own mental health. I have decided to stay off public forums
Oh, I’m so glad you wrote this! I knew about the despicable caning but had no idea how far Sumner’s anti racism went. What an admirable man! I’m not sure we’ve progressed very far in 150 years.
It’s wilful ignorance to think that people who lived before were different in any way from us. As if racial or gender equality were novel concepts.
Everyone who’s experienced adolescence knows that their beliefs are a choice: they can choose or not to accept what they’ve been taught at school or home (or online…). A six yo can’t be blamed for parroting a parent but a 26 yo must own their beliefs. A person’s ethics are immaterial to what the majority thinks at the time.
I study historical feminist women writers and some had male allies (which is how many of them managed to have their works survive), more than I originally expected. It’s always possible to do the right thing. And it’s always wrong to harm others. Acknowledging those wrongs is a commitment to be better; giving them a pass continues the wrong.
Thank you for this.
As always this is an interesting, perceptive read that inspires personal thought and action. I don’t often comment not because I am not interested by your work, which I read regularly, but for my own mental health. I have decided to stay off public forums
Oh, I’m so glad you wrote this! I knew about the despicable caning but had no idea how far Sumner’s anti racism went. What an admirable man! I’m not sure we’ve progressed very far in 150 years.